The present ratio of ages of P and Q is 2 : 7. Six years ago, this ratio was 1 : 5. Determine the present age of P?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 16 years
Step 1: Let the present ages be
Let present ages of P and Q be:
$P = 2x, \quad Q = 7x$
(as the ratio is 2 : 7)
Step 2: Use the information from 6 years ago
Six years ago:
$\frac{P - 6}{Q - 6} = \frac{1}{5}$
Substitute $P = 2x$ and $Q = 7x$:
$\frac{2x - 6}{7x - 6} = \frac{1}{5}$
Step 3: Solve for x
$5(2x−6)=1(7x−6)$
$10x−30=7x−6$
$10x - 7x = -6 + 30$
$3x = 24$
$x = 8$
Step 4: Find present age of P
$P = 2x = 2 \times 8 = 16 \text{ years}$